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Recent GPS Receiver Reviews

DeLorme inReach Explorer

I use my inReach in Alaska where there is no cell service. When boating or cross-country skiing I can post my location to Facebook every hour or every 4-hours and restrict this information to specific users. I can also text to cell phones or email accounts to let folks know about my trip.
The InReach also has an emergency SOS button in case emergency help is needed. Full review

Bushnell BackTrack

Worthless. Use a compass or buy another product. Have two friends that each have one and myself that got one as a birthday present. Would have died if I didn't have a backup. Don't use it as a serious backup. Full review

Trace

Trace is a sports tracking system designed for snow and water sports. It's a GPS device that records a variety of information that is then downloaded to a smartphone or computer. This easy to use sports tracker is a useful tool for training or just all-around fun. This small (1 7/8" x 3/4") device combines an advanced 9-axis inertial measurement unit (9X IMU) and GPS sensors to track a variety of sports including snow sports, water sports, and downhill mountain biking. The 9X IMU's ability to track… Full review

Garmin eTrex 20x

Easy to use, water resistant. This GPS does the job well. It is fairly easy to use once you watch a couple of youtube videos. Garmin's free baseCamp software can be used to program routes and retrieve tracks off of the GPS. I've used it several times, once in a downpour all day, and never had a problem. The only problem I have is with the joystick controller on the front of the unit. It's great to use to control the GPS, but once you put it in your pocket or a backpack's hip belt pocket it activates… Full review

Garmin Fenix 3

More accurate measure of your distance traveled than distances shown on hiking maps! It lets you see and know via a slight vibration when you are off trail. I have only used this on a 3-day hike through the White Mountains, but am pleased enough to write a first impressions review. I did recharge the Fenix each night using an external battery so cannot comment on whether one charge holds ups over a three-day period. I downloaded my routes to the Fenix and did not buy the Garmin maps. I may buy maps… Full review

DeLorme inReach Explorer

This is a must have item on a backcountry thru hike! GPS satellite communication device with tracking and text messaging capability and SOS. I bought this device at a recent REI Garage sale for a steal! I've been wanting one for a long time and now I own one! I activated it immediately, which was easy to do. There are multiple different plans to choose from. I have loaded more than 50 trails and routes to the device and it is amazing! I'm super excited to have this device for my upcoming JMT thru… Full review

Garmin eTrex 30x

No battery, no s/d card, no way to carry fasten to equipment, just as well not had a map. No topo map, not much of anything, but wasted money in a drawer with other outdated phones and junk. I've owned two other Garmin products for l5 years. They are excellent pieces of equipment. This is why I'm so disappointed in the 30X. Look what maps are offered and cost. Very disappointed in world map. Would have been nice to zoom in to see where your on a trail at any time. Maybe I was expecting too much… Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 62st

Hand draw your route in Base Camp. My problem with Base Camp and all other back-country mapping software, is that you can't just put in the starting point and the end point and any waypoints in-between. You must manually hand draw on your computer the actual route you want to take as precise as possible, then transfer that route to your GPS. It won't just route itself on the trail, like a street GPS follows a street route. WHY NOT? This is 2016! Precision is required if you are wanting any kind… Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 62st

Great unit, accurate, reliable and robust, but loses a star because of the BaseCamp software. This GPS can get a signal in many places where other GPS units fail. This unit is quite old, released in August 2010 (five years ago) but sold up until 2016. It has (just) been superseded by the new 64-series of models. It has been a long time since I have intensively used a GPS. I did engineering at Uni and did two years of Surveying. Back then GPS units were the size of suitcases. Almost 20 years ago… Full review